Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Who Needs Medical Tests? Do You?

Studies show, over and over again, that most people wait too late to be tested--- often not until deadly symptoms appear, of advanced disease.

Good health care is all about prevention. Medical tests and procedures play a big part in extending your life span.

Without blood tests, x-rays, and other tests to help identify medical problems, diseases progress, often unseen, undetected, until death may be unavoidable.

Be Proactive--- Cooperate

YOU can help doctors find diseases early, when the diseases may be much easier to treat, and less painful and expensive.Most people may need to be screened for: - Various types of cancer - High blood pressure and cholesterol - Diabetes - Osteoporosis (weak bones) - Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) - Hearing and vision loss

Be Proactive--- Do The Research

Consider your own family health history. You have thatsame DNA, those same genes, and perhaps that same proclivity to the same diseases, as those who came before you.

Research, and write out your family health history to share with your family or health care worker. Save your family health history so you can update it over time.

Be Proactive--- Ask Questions

- Why do I need this test?- How is the test done?- Will the test hurt?- What kind of information will the test provide?- Is this test the only way to find out that information?- What are the benefits and risks of having this test?- What do I need to do to prepare for the test?- How long will it take to get the results, and how will I get them?- What's the next step after the test?

Be Proactive--- Get Test Results

If your health care provider orders a test, get the results. Don't assume the results are fine if you do not get them when expected.

Call your health care provider and ask for your results. Ask what the results mean for your care, and use that information to talk with your provider and make decisions about your care.Bottom line? We ALL need regular medical tests. What you DON’T know CAN kill you!